Barbara "Barb" Kroening, LISW

Barbara "Barb" Kroening greets people with plain language and steady support. She believes asking for help shows strength and aims to be someone clients can turn to in hard times. Barb offers an honest, nonjudgmental space where people can talk about what’s worrying them and figure out next steps together.

Barb holds an LISW, which means she is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Iowa. She has 12 years of experience working with issues such as substance use, anger, trauma, grief, parenting concerns, and relationship strain. Her background includes work with immigration populations in professional and personal capacities.

In sessions she focuses on meeting people where they are. She uses practical, collaborative methods that encourage small changes and clearer goals. Expect straightforward conversation aimed at making daily life easier and more manageable.

Barb draws on approaches like client-centered therapy and solution-focused techniques to help people identify strengths and next steps. She also uses trauma-focused and mindfulness-informed ideas when appropriate. Motivational interviewing informs her style when someone is ready to make a change.

People who contact her will find a calm, respectful clinician who listens and helps map out realistic steps. She encourages honesty and gentle encouragement so clients can move toward the outcomes they want.

How Barb’s approaches translate to online care

Client-centered therapy puts the person’s needs and pace first, so the therapist focuses on listening and following the client’s lead to set goals. This approach helps when someone needs a calm space to sort through stress, relationship concerns, or caregiving strain.

Solution-focused therapy narrows attention to what works now and what small steps can move a person forward. It’s useful for people who want practical strategies for parenting, grief, or day-to-day stress and prefer tangible next steps.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels useful, then try methods that match those priorities. Adjustments are made as needed so the plan fits the person’s life and intentions.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking. Many people choose online work because it can fit into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online sessions can make it easier to maintain momentum between appointments and to practice skills in daily life.